Christopher Reeve Was Paralyzed 29 Years Ago: Read PEOPLE’s Cover Story from 1995 [Video]

Monday, May 27, marks 29 years since Christopher Reeve’s devastating accident during an equestrian competition left him paralyzed, nine years before his death at age 52.

Born in New York City, the actor shot to fame for his portrayal of the titular Man of Steel in 1978’s Superman, and became known throughout his life perhaps as much for his efforts in activism as the rich screen career he built before his accident.

Reeve is the subject of a 2024 documentary titled Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, which had its world premiere earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival and included a screening that moved much of its audience to tears.

“This year, in October, will be the 20th anniversary of dad’s passing,” Reeve’s oldest child, Matthew Reeve, said during a Q&A after the screening, of why it felt like the right time to do the film.

“It all came together really organically,” he added, in part.

Read on for an excerpt of PEOPLE…